Melvin J. Vitaris, 90, of Grafton

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Obit Melvin J. VitarisGrafton – Melvin J. Vitaris, 90, passed away Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northbridge. His wife, Rita Ann (St. Marie), passed away in 2005.

Melvin leaves his daughter, Nancy A. Smith and her husband Bruce and daughter Joni M. Vitaris; daughter-in-law Kathleen M. Vitaris; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His son, Jack Vitaris, and brother, Arthur Vitaris, predeceased him.

Melvin was born May 5, 1925 in Palmer, son of the late Sarah (McCollum) and Arthur Vitaris. He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his military service, he and his wife Rita lived in Grafton for more than 50 years.

For several years Melvin worked at GE Telechron in Ashland.

Closer to home, you would often find “Mel” with his closest friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays as they became known as “The Breakfast Club.” He found time when he could for a round of golf or trips to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina or Cape Cod.

Melvin’s family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care they gave him.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Melvin with donations to Veterans Inc. 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605 or www.VeteransInc.org.

All are invited to gather with Melvin’s family and friends Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, followed by a prayer service at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. He will then be laid to rest with military honors at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton.

To share a memory of Melvin or leave message of sympathy with his family, visit the online guestbook at www.roneyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Melvin-J.-Vitaris/Grafton-MA/1570898#sthash.oE3XBs2z.dpuf.

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